In-Box Review

Introduction

The 17 pdr. Gun mounted in the Sherman Firefly made it the first Allied tank able to go toe-to-toe with the German Panthers and Tigers. With specially designed ammunition, the Firefly crews were able to engage and knock out German panzers at equal ranges. This set from AFV provides 4 different types of ammo used with the 17 pdr as well as some empty shell casings.

The Set

The set provides 4 empty shell casings as well as 4 each of the 4 different types of ammo which the 17 pdr. used. The 20 brass pieces and one etched brass fret come in a card backed protective blister pack. Iím not sure if the pieces are turned or cast but they look immaculate. The reverse of the blister pack card indicates the four types of ammo as:

The four empty shell casings are hollowed out to a depth of .75 cm. Each shell consists of two pieces -the solid brass shell and an etched brass base plate. There are four types of base plates marked G1 to G4 on the etched frame which must be matched to the different types of ammo.

I have to say that even with a large illuminated magnifier, while I could make out that the markings were different, I couldn't make out what the markings were. The base of the shells fit neatly into a circular recess on the etched base plate. I plan to use CA glue but braver souls might like to attempt soldering. The cut off points on the edges of the base plate need to be cleaned up and this is probably best done after attaching them to the shells.

Fireflies carried 76 shells so you would need 5 sets to completely equip one tank. Of course the Firefly wasn't the only tank to carry the 17 pdr so this set can be used with the Black Prince, Challenger A30 and the Centurion Mk I & II as well as the Achilles and the Archer SPGs and the 17pdr anti-tank gun.

One thing to remember is that these shells weighed an average of 35.5 pounds each (16 kg) so don't show your crew toting them around like beer bottles or have them perched precariously on the edge of a tank turret.

Conclusion

With the heads of the shells painted correctly this set will dress up any Tank carrying a 17 pdr very nicely.

SUMMARY

Highs: Looks good and will dress up any 17 pdr nicely.Lows: Slight confusion over ammo types, no painting guide.Verdict: A good accessory set for 17 pdr tanks and SPGs

I served three years in the Irish Army.
Then I studied fine art for five years.
Acted professionally since leaving college (Look me up on IMDB- Pat McGrathIII)
Interested in Allied Armour 1942-45 and German SPGs.
Other interests are figures and Sci Fi models

Comments

Well....tricky question, there is a resin set from accurate armour which I don't have but you get twenty shells and 10 shell cases I think for roughly the same price. I have never been satisfied with the way metallic paint looks on resin or plastic shells so I prefer the brass AFV set.